KING JAMES

Country USA

Style Hard RockKing James has been called a hard rock super group for good reason. In 1993, heavenly shredder Rex Carroll of Whitecross met visionary vocalist Jimi Bennett of Sacred Fire at the Kingdom Bound Festival in Buffalo, New York. Over the next several months they developed a bond of music, ministry, and friendship that continues to this day. The timing was right: Jimi was looking to put together a new band, whereas Rex was feeling the pull toward new musical horizons.

As fortune would have it, Stryper was in a down season as well. Rex called Tim Gaines, Jimi called Robert Sweet, one thing led to another and thus the original line-up of King James was born. So in addition to Rex on guitar and Jimi on lead vocals, add in Robert Sweet on drums and Tim Gaines on bass. A fine mix, indeed, pulling together members of Stryper, Sacred Fire, and Whitecross. King James recorded one successful album for StarSong in 1994, and then toured in the U.S. from 1995 onwards.

During a ’95 tour in Europe, they met, and signed, with Viva Records. Viva was a much smaller label; fortunately they distributed in Europe, thereby opening more doors to the guys! After experiencing a great deal of success in the 80’s “hair metal” days, the musical climate of the 90’s found the band re-inventing itself in order to survive. So in 1997, they penned a new set of hard rock gems – harder, deeper, louder, and with a nasty attitude to go with it, reflective of the times.

Upon its initial release, their second album “The Fall” did great in Europe, considering the limited resources of Viva Records. The album was only available as an import in the U.S., so the guys necessarily turned to other things. Stryper re-formed, Whitecross was playing together again, while Jimi Bennett started VIKTOR with Louie Weaver (Classic Petra/Petra).

While King James was on hiatus, it was never “out-of-sight, out-of-mind”. In fact, little by little the band, and their albums, have attracted a growing world-wide audience. So much so, that in 2010 “The Fall” was re-released to an enthusiastic fan base. But the story only gets better from there…

In late 2011 Jimi & Rex came across Memphis-based record label and management company Madison Line Records. After several meetings and inspiring conversations, the band and Madison Line came to several conclusions. Namely, the band has a loyal audience that is fueling the drive to a new album and more concert tours. Secondly, the musical and ministry integrity of the band is a perfect match with the goals Madison Line seeks to promote. Finally, the band is in the right place and the right time to “change the culture, and change lives.” Partnering with Madison Line Records and Artist Management is an ideal fit for the label, and the band.

Once the decision was made to sign King James with Madison Line Records, the remaining question was where to look for a hard-hitting, tight and spiritually sound rhythm section. Jimi and Rex took their time considering bass players and drummers and finally reached out to Benny Ramos (bass) and Michael Feighan (drums) who had been touring with Whitecross (Michael 1991–1995 and 2000–present, Benny 2000–present). Michael and Benny joined Rex and Jimi at the 2012 Madison Line Records Launch Party and will appear on the upcoming King James album.

Updating for a new decade, the new album will be a nowadays production. The guys have been in the studio and with John Lawry (Classic Petra/Petra) manning the controls, the new album is set for June 2013. Not only will the album be available worldwide, but the band also plans to be on tour worldwide.